Lead the Mission. Drive Innovation. Shape the Future of Defense Aviation.

Join PDS Tech Commercial as an IPDT Leader

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced IPDT Leader to join us in Wichita, KS, and help lead the development of next-generation defense aviation programs.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic aerospace leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and enjoys bringing cross-functional teams together to deliver exceptional results. You'll play a pivotal role in guiding program development from concept through customer delivery, ensuring alignment across technical, operational, financial, and customer requirements.

If you're passionate about aerospace innovation, program leadership, and influencing high-impact defense initiatives, this growth-focused opportunity could be your next career move.

Position: IPDT Leader 
Location: Wichita, KS
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, Traditional Business Hours
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days onsite, 3 days remote)
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (8+ Years of Relevant Experience)

Your Impact

As an IPDT (Integrated Product Development Team) Leader, you will serve as a critical driver of program success, leading the integration of engineering, operations, finance, suppliers, customers, and business stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle.

Your leadership will help ensure that complex defense aviation programs are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

What You'll Do

Lead Program Execution from Concept to Delivery

• Lead all phases of development programs, from technical and program definition through successful customer delivery.

• Drive strategic planning, governance, business management, program direction, and overall execution.

• Ensure alignment of technical, operational, financial, supplier, and customer objectives.

Integrate Cross-Functional Teams

• Coordinate and harmonize activities across engineering, operations, finance, supply chain, certification, and customer-facing teams.

• Foster collaboration and accountability among diverse stakeholders.

• Influence decisions and drive consensus across complex organizations without direct authority.

Manage Program Performance

• Develop and oversee program schedules, milestones, budgets, forecasts, and deliverables.

• Monitor program performance and provide visibility into financial results, forecasts, and resource requirements.

• Ensure teams remain aligned with commitments, objectives, and customer expectations.

Lead Risk & Issue Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks.

• Drive issue resolution and escalation strategies when necessary.

• Establish proactive approaches to protect program performance and delivery objectives.

Support Strategic Product Development

• Contribute to annual product planning activities and long-term strategic initiatives.

• Lead implementation efforts involving:

  • Product Change Management

  • Aircraft Options Management

  • Mockups and Simulators

  • Training Programs

  • Earned Value Management (EVM)

  • Performance and Reliability Targets

Engage with Customers and Suppliers

• Participate in program reviews, engineering reviews, supplier meetings, and customer engagements.

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Manage customer expectations through regular communication and executive-level presentations.

Required Qualifications

Must-Have Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant Engineering discipline, including:

  • Aerospace Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Or related field

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience, with significant experience in:

  • Aerospace or Defense industries

  • Program Management

  • Project Management

  • Technical Leadership

• Experience leading cross-functional teams in complex development environments.

• Advanced knowledge of program scheduling, planning, and change management processes.

• Strong understanding of new product development and defense program execution.

• Experience managing budgets, forecasts, financial performance, and program governance.

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to influence, collaborate, and drive results across diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will also possess:

• 10+ years of engineering leadership, program leadership, or organizational management experience within aerospace and/or defense.

• Extensive experience supporting civil and/or military aircraft certification programs.

• Strong knowledge of 14 CFR Part 25 certification requirements.

• Experience working within an Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) environment.

• Familiarity with:

  • Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems

  • ERP platforms

  • Engineering databases and applications

• Knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and methodologies.

• Proven ability to support strategic growth and new program development initiatives.

Why Join Us?

At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect exceptional talent with organizations shaping the future of aerospace and defense. 

What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out?

• Permanent position supporting a growing defense aviation business

• Hybrid work flexibility with a balanced onsite and remote schedule

• Opportunity to lead high-visibility aerospace and defense programs

• Exposure to cutting-edge aircraft development initiatives

• Collaborative culture that values innovation, accountability, and teamwork

• Significant leadership visibility and influence on program strategy

• Career growth opportunities within an expanding organization

• Work with talented professionals dedicated to excellence and mission success

Ready to Lead What's Next?

If you're a strategic aerospace leader with a passion for program execution, cross-functional collaboration, and defense innovation, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and join PDS Tech Commercial  in shaping the future of military and special mission aviation. Your leadership can help bring the next generation of aircraft programs to life.

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